Christian mysticism..

[Tellyontellyon]

*What is Christian mysticism?
*What is its history and how is it practiced today?
*Is it something you would get involved in, or would you keep away from it?

 

[notworthconsideration]

*What is Christian mysticism?
*What is its history and how is it practiced today?
*Is it something you would get involved in, or would you keep away from it?

Mysticism is merely the belief or practice of interacting with deity.

If you believe God is accessible, this is how to get to know Him. But, it must be exclusively Him. No other teachers, no other distractions.

If you are weak in your faith, or have had emotional trauma, this could be a very unnerving path to take alone. However, most of us walk alone in the world because of our walk with God. Many Christians accuse us of demonic deception or such.

 

[HTacianas]

*What is Christian mysticism?
*What is its history and how is it practiced today?
*Is it something you would get involved in, or would you keep away from it?

Google "hesychasm". It's a form of what might be called Christian mysticism. It's a very disciplined form of meditation. I personally don't get involved in it because it can lead a person into heresy. You can't tell what might be divine inspiration from your own thoughts.

 

[Petros2015]

*What is Christian mysticism?
*What is its history

It's history... well roughly in the 1300's it was expressed by one group this way

LibriVox

LibriVox

librivox.org

They were an offshoot of Meister Eckhart

Friends of God - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

IMHO, most of the mystics were great saints and most great saints were mystics (whether the title had been invented yet or not). The goal of the mystic is to subsume their own will before the will of God.

how is it practiced today?
*Is it something you would get involved in, or would you keep away from it?

Quietly, individually and rarely.

 

[notworthconsideration]

Quietly, individually and rarely.

yes…

 

[Maria Billingsley]

*What is Christian mysticism?
*What is its history and how is it practiced today?
*Is it something you would get involved in, or would you keep away from it?

There is no reason for a born again Christian to involve themselves in mysticism. It has a wide variety of meanings and can lead one into error. It is a "practice " rather than the " work" of His Holy Spirit in our lives. In other words , trying to attain holyness through esoteric behaviors (works salvation) is contrary to the transformative work through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, His Holy Spirit. Blessings.

 

[eleos1954]

*What is Christian mysticism?
*What is its history and how is it practiced today?
*Is it something you would get involved in, or would you keep away from it?

*What is Christian mysticism?
*What is its history and how is it practiced today?
*Is it something you would get involved in, or would you keep away from it?

Christian mysticism — exchanges doctrine for experience

"experiences" can be deceiving (and often are) .... the Word of God is not deceiving.

There are many denominations that practice it.

Be wise and stay away from it ... else one is left open to deception.

 

[notworthconsideration]

how is it practiced today?

Not really much different than meditation, but you’re actively and scripturally seeking one-on-one time with Him. (This used to be practiced in 1st century gatherings, corporately, but now, it’s typically practiced in countries under severe persecution)
You can, likely will, run into deception IF you’re not able to test the spirits. Most Christians fear meeting with God this way and many are taught it’s not possible, or that it opens one up to demonic forces. The closer you get to God, the greater the effort of unclean spirits to derail you— but if you can navigate their maze of deceptions, you’ll find yourself in the safest place. Otherwise, you’re allowing dark forces to dissuade you from meeting God.

If you truly seek His Presence, read Spiritual Maxims by Brother Lawrence.

Keep in mind, mysticism in the vernacular of scripture is the exercising of the gift of prophecy, most often in the ‘seer’ experience. But, scripture dictates that anything received in the spirit is subject to evaluation of others In The Spirit. This circumvents deception and is taught in scripture.

If your faith is of a modest amount, ask Him for more, let Him know why you seek Him.

 

[QvQ]

Contemplation is a better practice. Contemplation is prayer.

 

[Blade]

This can be very hard to explain and no offense not knowing that Jesus came died for the world (you) gave His life so those that believe in Him shall not taste death but will live forever. No other since man has set foot on this earth came and took mans place. No other loves the world so much that He God gave His only son.. left heaven became what He created because He loved the world.

 

[Petros2015]

They were an offshoot of Meister Eckhart

Some more info on that from a secular source, who I find to be very balanced and informative

 

[QvQ]

Christianity is mystical. When a person receives the Holy Spirit (or however it is stated) that person is in communion with God, God being Father, Son, Holy Ghost undivided.
A person can communicate with God, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in prayer. A person who is mindful of God can seek to know God and the will of God through prayers and contemplation of God.
The Holy Spirit, prayer, contemplation of God is a gift given to every Christian.
There isn't any "mystery" union or spirit world beyond what is exactly given to each Christian through the Holy Spirit.
Christians, through long association, perhaps having grown up in the Faith, don't seem to recognize that the Holy Spirit, prayer and Faith are mystical without any added "signs."
The Holy Spirit and prayers, gifts of God by the Grace of God makes mystics of us all.

 

[Aussie Pete]

Mysticism is merely the belief or practice of interacting with deity.

If you believe God is accessible, this is how to get to know Him. But, it must be exclusively Him. No other teachers, no other distractions.

If you are weak in your faith, or have had emotional trauma, this could be a very unnerving path to take alone. However, most of us walk alone in the world because of our walk with God. Many Christians accuse us of demonic deception or such.

It is unscriptural. Christians are a body and Jesus appointed apostles, prophets, evangelists pastors and teachers to the church. There is good reason for that. No one is so good that they need no help from others. God sees to that, otherwise pride rises up and yes, that will end up in deception.

 

[returntosender]

I think of them as complete opposites.

Witchcraft and the like

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Jesus was a mystic. He communed with the Father and invited us to participate in that union. One cannot be Christian without being a mystic since it involves an intimate relationship with the Trinity initiated by Christ.

 

[returntosender]

I think of them as complete opposites.

Witchcraft and the like

I guess i better change my attitude about the word mystic

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

mysticism​

noun​

mys·ti·cism ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm

1: the experience of mystical union or direct communion with ultimate reality reported by mystics

2: the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (such as intuition or insight)

3
a: vague speculation : a belief without sound basis
b: a theory postulating the possibility of direct and intuitive acquisition of ineffable knowledge or power

Definition of MYSTICISM

the experience of mystical union or direct communion with ultimate reality reported by mystics; the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (such as intuition or insight)… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

 

[throughfiierytrial]

*What is Christian mysticism?
*What is its history and how is it practiced today?
*Is it something you would get involved in, or would you keep away from it?

Stay away from practices outside Biblical teachings no matter how innocently they are portrayed. It will lead you down the wrong path. God has given us His Word and speaks to us through that Word. If you follow it and practice it you shall be on the straight and narrow path that leads to everlasting life and that is so worth it, right?
Also, should you choose rightly and continually study and practice His Word you will have no time left over for foolish practices which endanger one's soul. The Word will expose such practices as evil and protect you against danger.
Temper your curiosity and stay away from mysticism!

 

[returntosender]

mysticism​

noun​

mys·ti·cism ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm

1: the experience of mystical union or direct communion with ultimate reality reported by mystics

2: the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (such as intuition or insight)

3
a: vague speculation : a belief without sound basis
b: a theory postulating the possibility of direct and intuitive acquisition of ineffable knowledge or power

Definition of MYSTICISM

the experience of mystical union or direct communion with ultimate reality reported by mystics; the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (such as intuition or insight)… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

Sort of like a seer or psychic?

 

[throughfiierytrial]

Stay away from practices outside Biblical teachings no matter how innocently they are portrayed. It will lead you down the wrong path. God has given us His Word and speaks to us through that Word. If you follow it and practice it you shall be on the straight and narrow path that leads to everlasting life and that is so worth it, right?
Also, should you choose rightly and continually study and practice His Word you will have no time left over for foolish practices which endanger one's soul. The Word will expose such practices as evil and protect you against danger.
Temper your curiosity and stay away from mysticism!

Another Biblical citation holding warning to such practices as mysticism:
Isaiah 66:16...here the Lord is speaking of the harsh judgement He will exact upon the evil.
Isaiah 66:18...inclusive of who will receive this harsh judgement and their actions is those who follow their imaginations... mysticism is the following of one's imagination.